CSX completes first phase of National Gateway

The National Gateway coalition has completed its first phase on-time and on-budget, which clears the way for double-stack intermodal rail service between CSX's existing terminal in Chambersburg, Pa., and its hub facility in Northwest Ohio.

The National Gateway, a $850 million public private partnership to create a highly efficient and environmentally-friendly, double-stack cleared rail corridor between the mid-Atlantic and Midwest, is made possible through a combination of federal and state funds and CSX investment.

"Today, we celebrate the efforts of federal and state officials in achieving this milestone, which means more jobs, a more competitive America and a more environmentally friendly way to move freight," said Michael Ward, CSX chairman, president and chief executive officer. "This is great news for our nation's transportation infrastructure, our customers and the communities we serve and wouldn't be possible without the major investment of time and resources by our federal and state partners. While this is a significant milestone, our work is not done. Working with our public sector partners, we need to finish the job and complete double-stack clearances between Chambersburg and the Ports of Baltimore and Virginia."

Public funding for Phase One was supported by aTransportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) grant secured by the State of Ohio on behalf of the coalition and administered by the Eastern Federal Lands Highway Division of the Federal Highway Administration.

The National Gateway is currently focused on the project's Phase Two, which will double-stack clear the CSX corridor between Chambersburg, Pa. and mid-Atlantic ports.